If great sound quality ends with your car speakers, it starts with the head unit where your audio files originate. And we say audio files recognizing that most drivers these days prefer streaming audio or audio files on a USB stick to CDs. That’s why many of the best head units for sound quality place a strong focus on wringing the most detail and control out of your preferred digital audio source. Here are a few popular models that the web considers the best head units for sound quality.

Pioneer DEH-80PRS

When looking for the best single DIN head unit — meaning a 2-inch by 7-inch slot in the dash — a receiver that gets high marks is this one from car audio innovator Pioneer. The Pioneer DEH-80PRS affordable head unit gets its best sound quality status in part by offering refined control over its output, including a 16-band EQ and subwoofer level control. 

Alpine UTE-73BT

The Alpine UTE-73BT affordable head unit applies an additional approach to getting the best sound, starting with a 24-Bit DAC. That refers to its potent digital-to-analog converter, which translates digital audio files to wave sounds pushing through your speakers. A better translation equates to richer tones. Further improving the audio signal is the head unit’s ability to play FLAC files. These Format For Lossless Compression files pack more information, for more detailed sound.

If you’re thinking such a head unit would make a physical CD player obsolete, Alpine thinks so too. This “Mechless” receiver has taken the space a CD mechanism might go, and put it to better use. Especially for a vehicle with room for a single DIN receiver only, this the best head unit without a disc player.

Kenwood DDX26BT

Moving into more visually stimulating, double DIN (4-inch by 7-inch) head units, reviewers often point to the Kenwood DDX26BT model as among the best head units for sound. It boosts the signal with a dedicated pre-amp, while also offering the ability to play FLAC files. In addition, it processes audio through low and high pass filters to great greater punch in your subwoofer.

Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX and Kenwood Excelon DMX706S

Once you get to these higher-end touchscreen models, you find head units that offer it all, from Bluetooth and internet connectivity to smartphone compatibility and touchscreen. The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX and Kenwood Excelon DMX706S head units from two of the world’s premier car audio brands incorporate touchscreen controls of graphic equalizers, plus timing alignment controls to effectively “position” the sound within your vehicle. Add adjustable high/low pass filters, and FLAC file support, and it’s plain to see why these are some of the internet’s favorite head units for sound quality.

Get the best head units at Car Audio City in National City, San Diego

Car Audio City technicians in San Diego, CA will help identify the best head units for your vehicle, install them, and tune them for the best sound quality. Contact us today at (619) 474-8551.